No Filipino affected so far by California wildfire – DFA

Firefighters wait for water as they battle flames at the Alpine Oaks Estates mobile home park during a wildfire Friday, July 6, 2018, in Alpine, California. Gusty winds fanned the flames as Southern California struggles through a scorching heat wave. (Photo by EDUARDO CONTRERAS / The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring the fast-spreading wildfire in Northern California that has already destroyed hundreds of structures and forced thousands to evacuate.

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco is also checking the situation of Filipinos in Redding and surrounding areas to determine if the so-called Carr Fire has affected any Filipino in the area.

Consul General Henry Bensurto reported however that they have not received any request for assistance so far from any Filipino in Redding and areas nearby.

Bensurto said there are about 227 Filipinos in the city of Redding, which is being threatened by the fire that has already burned more than 344 square kilometers or 85,000 acres and destroyed 500 structures.

The fire has forced the evacuation of some 38,000 people in neighborhoods on the west side of Redding, Bensurto added.

Initially, five persons have been reported injured and 12 others have been listed missing. But latest reports indicated that death toll from the wildfires is now at five, including two firemen, a great-grandmother, and two children.

The Consulate General has assured that it continues to monitor developments and is in touch with authorities for updates on the Carr Fire, especially on notifications about foreign nationals affected by the blaze. /kga